I, Peter Shumlin, Governor of the State of Vermont, under and by virtue of the Authority vested in me by the Constitution and Laws of the State of Vermont, do order as follows:

SEC. (1) There is hereby established a =bi Vermont Military Humanitarian Service Medal with accompanying ribbons and appurtenances for award by the Adjutant General. Individuals eligible for the medal are members of the Vermont National Guard and the Vermont State Guard when in active service, who, subsequent to August 27, 2011, distinguished themselves by meritorious participation in a military act or operation of a humanitarian nature. The Adjutant General will determine types of acts or operations that warrant award of the medal.

SEC. (2)  The =bi Vermont Military Humanitarian Service Medal and ribbons and appurtenances thereto shall be of appropriate design approved by the Adjutant General and shall be awarded by the Adjutant General under uniform regulations, as prescribed by the Adjutant General.

SEC. (3)  No more than one =bi Vermont Military Humanitarian Service Medal  shall be awarded to any one person, but for each subsequent participation in a humanitarian act or operation justifying such an award, a suitable device may be awarded to be worn with that medal as prescribed by appropriate regulations of the Vermont National Guard.

SEC. (4)  The =bi Vermont Military Humanitarian Service Medal or device may be awarded posthumously, and when so awarded, may be presented to such representative of the deceased as may be deemed appropriate by the Adjutant General.

Dated November 23, 2011.